Victory as Waterford's long-fought campaign for 24/7 cardiac care finally comes to a close
Thousands turned out to march in Waterford in 2016 and again in 2019 for 24/7 Cardiac Care. Photo: Joe Evans
After years of unwavering, hard-fought advocacy, emergency cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford has officially commenced.
From Monday (July 6), patients presenting with serious cardiac emergencies requiring urgent specialist intervention will have access to cardiac care at UHW, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The announcement follows sustained efforts of over 10 years by public representatives and local community activists to address the critical need for expanded cardiac care in the South East region.
This week, campaigners, hospital staff and public representatives have reacted to the historic news. Our two government TDs complimented the work of the Waterford public for their tireless fight.
Minister Mary Butler TD, who stood outside UHW in 2016 with a promise of delivering the service, said that “this is an emotional day for many, for all those who have campaigned, all those who have walked the streets.
“I have never forgotten standing outside University Hospital Waterford with that poster saying we will deliver 24/7 cardiac care, and today (Monday) that is a reality.”
“People will say, why did it take so long? It takes a long time to build service, but the most important thing now is that the service is in place.”
The hard-fought campaign was also acknowledged by Minister John Cummins TD.
He praised all those "who have campaigned tirelessly and worked hard to ensure this service at UHW has become a reality - from advocacy groups, to consultants, hospital management and all my government colleagues past and present".
"This is unquestionably an issue which has transcended political lines," Minister Cummins said.
"None of us ever want to avail of the service, but knowing it is there, is very reassuring for citizens of this region."
Also welcoming the commencement this week was Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Liam Brazil.
He said: “24-7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford is something that has been sought and campaigned for over many years, and its commencement is a very welcome and important development for patients and families across the region.
“I would like to thank all those who campaigned for this service, including patients, families, clinicians, public representatives, community groups and advocates who kept this issue to the fore."
Over the years, the power of the people has ensured that the campaign never left the spotlight.
One campaigner said the people of the South East will now finally be able to sleep at night knowing that if the worse should happen, they can receive treatment locally.
Campaigners across the South East have been tireless in their campaign to get 24/7 cardiac services up and running at University Hospital Waterford.
In September 2016, approximately 2,000 people took to the streets of Waterford in solidarity.
Again in January 2019, the power of the people was on full display, as a sea of close to 10,000 people descended onto the city.
None would have thought that almost a decade later, the fight would still be raging on.
Glimmers of progress were made along the way, including the construction of extensions to the hospital to facilitate expanded services.
It wasn't until April 2025 that funding was announced by Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill for the recruitment of additional staff to bring the service to 24/7, the final piece of the puzzle.
Mick Daniels, of the 24/7 Southeast Cardiac Campaign group, is just one of the local campaigners.
“It is a wonderful day and there will be a celebration tonight," he said.
He added that the “horror stories” he heard whilst campaigning on the streets over the years will never leave him.
“I remember one woman burst into tears speaking to us because her husband had died the previous week. Others told us their fathers or mothers were constantly living on tenterhooks because the service wasn’t available. Hearing these stories wasn’t unusual for us, because we heard so many horror stories over the years.
"This caused a massive amount of stress to vulnerable people and their families, and thankfully tonight, the people of the South East of Ireland will be able to sleep in peace."
He commended all the campaigners who fought over the years.
“This happened because of the publicity, the campaigns, the people on the street. We all did our little bit and so many people worked behind the scenes over the years.”
